Dr. James C. Dobson is noted as saying: “there are very few certainties that touch us all in this mortal experience, but one of the absolutes is that we will experience hardship and stress at some point.” Circumstances which lead to stress will be ever present, but how we choose to respond to these triggers can thwart our progress or empower us to overcome and drive harder toward success.
Everyone is at a different point in their lives and so we all respond differently to the triggers that bring stress and stress itself.
As I have illustrated in my earlier writings, the successful individual is most likely to avoid blame, excuses and denial and take personal ownership, accountability and responsibility. We find that this success oriented mindset tends, also, to lead one to effectively confront, handle and overcome stress.
Overcoming life’s challenges and rising up the scale to greater levels of success in life is a choice. A popular prayer states: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things that I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” The secret is – we can change everything, but sometimes (when we "can't get there from here") we need to take a break, assess, plan and execute our program to get from A. to B.
If the situation cannot be immediately changed, accept it for what it is – at the moment. Accepting does not mean surrender. By accepting where one finds one’s self in conjunction to the situation and finding ways you can cope with what cannot immediately be changed, stress can be drastically reduced. This reduction in stress will then free the mind and release your inner power to find the way to confront and handle the seemingly unchangeable situation – leading to greater wins and successes.
Assume an attitude of gratitude. Attitude has a profound effect on how we deal with life. Negative attitudes affect our physical, emotional, mental and spiritual wellbeing. So does a positive mental attitude.
When in a stressful situation, try adopting an attitude of gratitude. Running late for a meeting because you are stuck in traffic? Think of all the things you can be thankful for. You can find gratitude in the smallest things. Be thankful for life, health, strength, friends, family, nature, etc. Gratitude will change your attitude, which in turn can change your life.
Often we forget to take care of ourselves. If we don’t care for ourselves, we can’t effectively help others. The relaxation that results from finding one’s center and purpose rejuvenates the body, emotions, mind, and spirit and transforms us to be better equipped to handle stressful situations.
Schedule time for finding your center every day. Set aside time for relaxation, and set aside a designated, uninterrupted time to relax and enjoy being alive. People say they don’t have time to relax, but relaxation isn’t time-consuming. Periodic 5-10 minute breaks of breathing exercises or watching an awesome YouTube video can change one’s perspective. Relaxation can also include connecting with positive people.
Stress does not have to overwhelm us. Accept that we can confront and handle stress. Successful stress management is about learning how to take control. It’s important to remember that we control how stress affects us. We can control the stress or let stress control us.
James Chamberlain is a sales and business development professional who helps Tampa Bay businesses grow through dynamic strategic initiatives and campaigns and increase of new business revenue. James is responsible for building relationships with businesses throughout Florida and the US. Contact James at: 727.645.6490 James.Chamberlain@consultant.com or http://www.twitter.com/JDC352
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